Tech Salaries in Australia: A 2025 Overview

The Australian tech sector continues to dominate high-paying industries, with salaries for certain roles soaring to $250,000 or more, outpacing other professions nationwide. As businesses invest heavily in digital transformation, AI, and cybersecurity, demand for specialised skills has driven wages to unprecedented levels.

Tech Roles in Demand

Leading the charge are roles such as:

• Cybersecurity Specialists: As cyberattacks rise, companies are shelling out significant sums for professionals who can safeguard sensitive data.
• Cloud Architects and Engineers: With businesses migrating to cloud platforms, expertise in AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud remains highly lucrative.
• AI/ML Engineers and Data Scientists: Organisations embracing artificial intelligence and machine learning require experts to extract insights and build predictive models.
• Software Engineers: Developers skilled in cutting-edge frameworks and languages, especially those with full-stack capabilities, are reaping rewards.

Why Tech Salaries Are So High

Several factors are driving the tech salary boom:

1. Skills Shortage: Australia’s digital skills gap is creating fierce competition for top talent.
2. Global Competition: With remote work now normalised, Australian employers must compete with global firms for local talent.
3. High Stakes: In areas like cybersecurity, the cost of failure can far outweigh the investment in skilled professionals.

Impact on Other Sectors

Tech salaries are eclipsing traditional high-paying professions, including finance, legal, and engineering. Some industries, such as construction and retail, are finding it increasingly difficult to attract talent, as tech roles promise not only higher pay but also flexibility and growth opportunities.

Opportunities for Job Seekers

For those looking to enter or transition into tech, now is the time. Bootcamps, certifications, and online learning platforms are providing accessible pathways into lucrative careers.

The Road Ahead

While the boom in tech salaries is a win for employees, businesses face challenges in balancing competitive pay with budget constraints. Many are investing in upskilling programs to build talent in-house rather than relying solely on external hires.

Australia’s tech salary surge isn’t just reshaping the employment landscape; it’s setting a precedent for how businesses approach talent acquisition, retention, and compensation in the digital age.

Here's an overview of average salary packages for various tech roles in Australia as of 2025:

1. Chief Information Officer (CIO)

• Average Salary: Up to AUD 375,000 per year.
• Role Overview: CIOs are responsible for overseeing the IT strategy and ensuring that technology initiatives align with the organisation's goals.

2. Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

• Average Salary: Approximately AUD 370,000 per year.
• Role Overview: CTOs focus on the technological direction of the company, leading innovation and managing the development of new products and services.

3. Cyber Security Architect

• Average Salary: Up to AUD 275,000 per year.
• Role Overview: These professionals design and implement secure network solutions to protect against cyber threats and ensure data integrity.

4. Cloud Architect

• Average Salary: Up to AUD 280,000 per year.
• Role Overview: Cloud Architects manage an organisation's cloud computing strategy, including cloud adoption plans, application design, and cloud management.

5. Data Scientist

• Average Salary: Approximately AUD 150,000 per year.
• Role Overview: Data Scientists analyze and interpret complex data to help organisations make informed decisions.

6. Machine Learning Engineer

• Average Salary: Approximately AUD 140,000 per year.
• Role Overview: These engineers design and develop machine learning systems and algorithms to enhance products and services.

7. Software Engineer

• Average Salary Range: AUD 71,995 to AUD 121,914 per year.
• Role Overview: Software Engineers develop applications and systems that run on computers or other devices.

8. Front End Developer

• Average Salary: Approximately AUD 110,000 per year.
• Role Overview: Front End Developers focus on the user interface and user experience aspects of web applications.

9. Back End Developer

• Average Salary: Approximately AUD 140,000 per year.
• Role Overview: Back End Developers work on server-side application logic and integration.

10. Full Stack Developer

• Average Salary: Approximately AUD 130,000 per year.
• Role Overview: Full Stack Developers handle both front-end and back-end development tasks.

11. Systems Administrator

• Average Salary: Approximately AUD 100,008 per year.
• Role Overview: Systems Administrators manage and maintain an organisation's IT infrastructure.

12. Technical Engineer

• Average Salary: AUD 111,466 per year.
• Role Overview: Technical Engineers provide engineering support and expertise across various industries.

13. Technician

• Average Salary Range: AUD 75,000 to AUD 95,000 per year.
• Role Overview: Technicians handle practical aspects of technology, including installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

It's important to note that these figures can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the specific demands of the role. The tech industry in Australia continues to offer competitive salaries, reflecting the high demand for skilled professionals in this sector.